“Two hundred and fifty dollars, cash down,” said Abner. “That's too cheap. He's worth a cool hundred more, but I got him cheap, and can afford to sell him cheap.”

The horse had cost Mr. Holden just a hundred and ten dollars, and at this price he considered himself decidedly taken in; but this he did not particularly care to mention.

“Two hundred and fifty dollars!” mused the stranger. “It is a little more than I intended to pay. Still, if the animal is what you describe, I don't know that I shall object on that score.”

“You had better take him,” said Abner. “It'll be the best bargain you ever made, I'll warrant. You'll pay cash down, I suppose?”

“Of course.”

“Then shall we say it's a bargain?”

“Not quite yet. I'll take till the afternoon to think about it.”

“Better decide now. The fact is, Mr. Richmond, I ought not to let the horse go at that figure, and I may change my mind.”

“I think I shall take your horse, but I have agreed to look at another, and must see that first.”

“Whose?”